Nrf2 and HSF-1 Pathway Activation via Hydroquinone-Based Proelectrophilic Small Molecules is Regulated by Electrochemical Oxidation Potential

Proteostasis Decline and Redox Imbalance in Age-Related Diseases: The Therapeutic Potential of NRF2

Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) is a master regulator of cellular homeostasis, overseeing the expression of a wide array of genes involved in cytoprotective processes such as antioxidant and proteostasis control, mitochondrial function, inflammation, and the metabolism of lipids and glucose. The accumulation of misfolded proteins triggers the release, stabilization, and nuclear translocation of NRF2, which in turn enhances the expression of critical components of both the proteasomal and lysosomal degradation pathways. This process facilitates the clearance of toxic protein aggregates, thereby actively maintaining cellular proteostasis. As we age, the efficiency of the NRF2 pathway declines due to several factors including increased activity of its repressors, impaired NRF2-mediated antioxidant and cytoprotective gene expression, and potential epigenetic changes, though the precise mechanisms remain unclear. This leads to diminished antioxidant defenses, increased oxidative damage, and exacerbated metabolic dysregulation and inflammation-key contributors to age-related diseases. Given NRF2's role in mitigating proteotoxic stress, the pharmacological modulation of NRF2 has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy, even in aged preclinical models. By inducing NRF2, it is possible to mitigate the damaging effects of oxidative stress, metabolic dysfunction, and inflammation, thus reducing protein misfolding. The review highlights NRF2's therapeutic implications for neurodegenerative diseases and cardiovascular conditions, emphasizing its role in improving proteostasis and redox homeostasis Additionally, it summarizes current research into NRF2 as a therapeutic target, offering hope for innovative treatments to counteract the effects of aging and associated diseases.

Oleander attenuates hepatic inflammation in a TLR4-independent manner and by favorable modulation of hepatocellular global metabolome that supports cytoprotection

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Nerium oleander is used to treat liver-associated chronic metabolic diseases in traditional medicinal systems across the globe. The hepatoprotective effects of oleander are mentioned in Indian and Chinese traditional medicinal literature.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The present study aimed to investigate the cellular mechanisms behind the hepatoprotective effects of a non-toxic dose of oleander (NO).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The hepatoprotective effects of NO were tested against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated HepG2 cells. Oxidative stress response was studied using cellular enzymatic assays, and gene expression was analyzed using qRT-PCR. HepG2 cells were pretreated with TAK-242 (pharmacological inhibitor of TLR4) to decipher the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of NO. Cell-free metabolites were analyzed using GCMS and were subjected to pathway enrichment analysis.

RESULTS

NO reduced systemic inflammation, serum lipid peroxidation byproducts, and glucose without affecting serum transaminase levels and hepatic histopathological features. NO attenuated the inflammation-induced loss of antioxidant enzyme activities and mRNA expressions of toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor κβ (NFκβ)-dependent inflammatory genes. In TAK-242 pretreated cells, LPS was unable to induce inflammatory and oxidative responses. However, NO treatment in TAK-242 pretreated cells with LPS stimulation further reduced the signs of inflammation and improved hepatoprotective activities. A comparative analysis of the intracellular global metabolome from HepG2 cells with and without NO treatment indicated NO-mediated favorable modulation of intracellular metabolic pathways that support cytoprotective activities.

CONCLUSION

NO protects HepG2 cells from LPS-induced oxidative and inflammatory injury. The hepatoprotective effects of NO are mediated by a TLR4-independent process and through a favorable modulation of the intracellular global metabolome that supports cytoprotection.

Towards development of disease-modifying therapy for Alzheimer's disease using redox chemical biology pathways

Redox modifications are described that can be harnessed for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). The approach has shown potential therapeutic efficacy in AD in both transgenic mouse and hiPSC cerebral organoids models. In this review, two such redox targets are highlighted. First, protein S-nitrosylation of the NMDA-type of glutamate receptor is described as a potential therapeutic target. Second, an S-alkylation reaction of critical, redox-active cysteine thiol(s) on the protein KEAP1 to activate the anti-oxidant/anti-inflammatory transcription factor NRF2 is proposed. In both approaches, we utilize compounds described as pathologically activated therapeutics (or "PAT" drugs), which can only be activated by the disease process that they then combat. Thus, PAT drugs remain relatively innocuous and therefore clinically-tolerated in normal tissue in the absence of disease, thereby avoiding severe side effects both systemically and in the brain.

Potential Therapeutic Use of the Rosemary Diterpene Carnosic Acid for Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, and Long-COVID through NRF2 Activation to Counteract the NLRP3 Inflammasome

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis [family Lamiaceae]), an herb of economic and gustatory repute, is employed in traditional medicines in many countries. Rosemary contains carnosic acid (CA) and carnosol (CS), abietane-type phenolic diterpenes, which account for most of its biological and pharmacological actions, although claims have also been made for contributions of another constituent, rosmarinic acid. This review focuses on the potential applications of CA and CS for Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), in part via inhibition of the NLRP3 inflammasome. CA exerts antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects via phase 2 enzyme induction initiated by activation of the KEAP1/NRF2 transcriptional pathway, which in turn attenuates NLRP3 activation. In addition, we propose that CA-related compounds may serve as therapeutics against the brain-related after-effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection, termed "long-COVID." One factor that contributes to COVID-19 is cytokine storm emanating from macrophages as a result of unregulated inflammation in and around lung epithelial and endovascular cells. Additionally, neurological aftereffects such as anxiety and "brain fog" are becoming a major issue for both the pandemic and post-pandemic period. Many reports hold that unregulated NLRP3 inflammasome activation may potentially contribute to the severity of COVID-19 and its aftermath. It is therefore possible that suppression of NLRP3 inflammasome activity may prove efficacious against both acute lung disease and chronic neurological after-effects. Because CA has been shown to not only act systemically but also to penetrate the blood-brain barrier and reach the brain parenchyma to exert neuroprotective effects, we discuss the evidence that CA or rosemary extracts containing CA may represent an effective countermeasure against both acute and chronic pathological events initiated by SARS-CoV-2 infection as well as other chronic neurodegenerative diseases including AD and PD.

The Regulation of NFE2L2 (NRF2) Signalling and Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Age-Related Macular Degeneration Pathology

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a mounting cause of loss of sight in the elderly in the developed countries, a trend enhanced by the continual ageing of the population. AMD is a multifactorial and only partly understood, malady. Unfortunately, there is no effective treatment for most AMD patients. It is known that oxidative stress (OS) damages the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and contributes to the progression of AMD. We review here the potential importance of two OS-related cellular systems in relation to AMD. First, the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NFE2L2; NRF2)-mediated OS response signalling pathway is important in the prevention of oxidative damage and a failure of this system could be critical in the development of AMD. Second, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) represents a change in the cellular phenotype, which ultimately leads to the fibrosis encountered in RPE, a characteristic of AMD. Many of the pathways triggering EMT are promoted by OS. The possible interconnections between these two signalling routes are discussed here. From a broader perspective, the control of NFE2L2 and EMT as ways of preventing OS-derived cellular damage could be potentially valuable in the therapy of AMD.

Lights and shadows of electrophile signaling: focus on the Nrf2-Keap1 pathway

Targeted covalent modification is assuming consolidated importance in drug discovery. In this context, the electrophilic tuning of redox-dependent cell signaling is attracting major interest, as it opens prospect for treating numerous pathologic conditions. Herein, we discuss the rationale and the issues of electrophile-based approaches, focusing on the transcriptional Nrf2-Keap1 pathway as a test case. We also highlight relevant medicinal chemistry strategies researchers have devised to meet the ambitious goal, dwelling on the investigational and therapeutic potential of modulating redox-signaling networks through regulatory cysteine switches.

Recent advances in understanding NRF2 as a druggable target: development of pro-electrophilic and non-covalent NRF2 activators to overcome systemic side effects of electrophilic drugs like dimethyl fumarate

Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) is an electrophilic compound previously called BG-12 and marketed under the name Tecfidera ^®. It was approved in 2013 by the US Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency for the treatment of relapsing multiple sclerosis. One mechanism of action of DMF is stimulation of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) transcriptional pathway that induces anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory phase II enzymes to prevent chronic neurodegeneration. However, electrophiles such as DMF also produce severe systemic side effects, in part due to non-specific S-alkylation of cysteine thiols and resulting depletion of glutathione. This mini-review presents the present status and future strategy for NRF2 activators designed to avoid these side effects. Two modes of chemical reaction leading to NRF2 activation are considered here. The first mode is S-alkylation (covalent reaction) of thiols in Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1), which interacts with NRF2. The second mechanism involves non-covalent pharmacological inhibition of protein-protein interactions, in particular domain-specific interaction between NRF2 and KEAP1 or other repressor proteins involved in this transcriptional pathway. There have been significant advances in drug development using both of these mechanisms that can potentially avoid the systemic side effects of electrophilic compounds. In the first case concerning covalent reaction with KEAP1, monomethyl fumarate and monoethyl fumarate appear to represent safer derivatives of DMF. In a second approach, pro-electrophilic drugs, such as carnosic acid from the herb Rosmarinus officinalis, can be used as a safe pro-drug of an electrophilic compound. Concerning non-covalent activation of NRF2, drugs are being developed that interfere with the direct interaction of KEAP1-NRF2 or inhibit BTB domain and CNC homolog 1 (BACH1), which is a transcriptional repressor of the promoter where NRF2 binds.

Epigenetic Treatment of Neurodegenerative Ophthalmic Disorders: An Eye Toward the Future

Eye disease is one of the primary medical conditions that requires attention and therapeutic intervention in ageing populations worldwide. Further, the global burden of diabetes and obesity, along with heart disease, all lead to secondary manifestations of ophthalmic distress. Therefore, there is increased interest in developing innovative new approaches that target various mechanisms and sequelae driving conditions that result in adverse vision. The research challenge is even greater given that the terrain of eye diseases is difficult to landscape into a single therapeutic theme. This report addresses the burden of eye disease due to mitochondrial dysfunction, including antioxidant, autophagic, epigenetic, mitophagic, and other cellular processes that modulate the biomedical end result. In this light, we single out lipoic acid as a potent known natural activator of these pathways, along with alternative and potentially more effective conjugates, which together harness the necessary potency, specificity, and biodistribution parameters required for improved therapeutic outcomes.

Targeting the Nrf2/Amyloid-Beta Liaison in Alzheimer's Disease: A Rational Approach

Amyloid is a prominent feature of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Yet, a linear linkage between amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) and the disease onset and progression has recently been questioned. In this context, the crucial partnership between Aβ and Nrf2 pathways is acquiring paramount importance, offering prospects for deciphering the Aβ-centered disease network. Here, we report on a new class of antiaggregating agents rationally designed to simultaneously activate transcription-based antioxidant responses, whose lead 1 showed interesting properties in a preliminary investigation. Relying on the requirements of Aβ recognition, we identified the catechol derivative 12. In SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells, 12 combined remarkable free radical scavenger properties to the ability to trigger the Nrf2 pathway and induce the Nrf2-dependent defensive gene NQO1 by means of electrophilic activation of the transcriptional response. Moreover, 12 prevented the formation of cytotoxic stable oligomeric intermediates, being significantly more effective, and per se less toxic, than prototype 1. More importantly, as different chemical features were exploited to regulate Nrf2 and Aβ activities, the two pathways could be tuned independently. These findings point to compound 12 and its derivatives as promising tools for investigating the therapeutic potential of the Nrf2/Aβ cellular network, laying foundation for generating new drug leads to confront AD.

HX-1171, a Novel Nrf2 Activator, Induces NQO1 and HMOX1 Expression

HX-1171 (1-O-hexyl-2,3,5-trimethylhydroquinone) is a novel synthesized vitamin E derivative, which reportedly has positive effects on various diseases and conditions, such as liver fibrosis, hepatic cirrhosis, and cancer. In this study, we analyzed the transcriptional activity induced by HX-1171. Results from reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and promoter assays reveal that HX-1171 increased the expression of NQO1 and HMOX1, encoding antioxidant-related enzymes, in A549 human lung epithelial cells. The activity of nuclear factor-E2-related factor (Nrf2), a key transcriptional factor for antioxidative enzymes, was examined in HX-1171-treated cells. Confocal microscopy and Western blotting showed that HX-1171 effectively induced the nuclear translocation and transcriptional activity of Nrf2. We conclude that HX-1171, a novel Nrf2 activator, may be a promising therapeutic agent for oxidative stress-induced diseases. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 3372-3380, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Krebs Cycle Intermediates Protective against Oxidative Stress by Modulating the Level of Reactive Oxygen Species in Neuronal HT22 Cells

Krebs cycle intermediates (KCIs) are reported to function as energy substrates in mitochondria and to exert antioxidants effects on the brain. The present study was designed to identify which KCIs are effective neuroprotective compounds against oxidative stress in neuronal cells. Here we found that pyruvate, oxaloacetate, and α-ketoglutarate, but not lactate, citrate, iso-citrate, succinate, fumarate, or malate, protected HT22 cells against hydrogen peroxide-mediated toxicity. These three intermediates reduced the production of hydrogen peroxide-activated reactive oxygen species, measured in terms of 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein diacetate fluorescence. In contrast, none of the KCIs—used at 1 mM—protected against cell death induced by high concentrations of glutamate—another type of oxidative stress-induced neuronal cell death. Because these protective KCIs did not have any toxic effects (at least up to 10 mM), they have potential use for therapeutic intervention against chronic neurodegenerative diseases.

Formation and Biological Targets of Quinones: Cytotoxic versus Cytoprotective Effects

Quinones represent a class of toxicological intermediates, which can create a variety of hazardous effects in vivo including, acute cytotoxicity, immunotoxicity, and carcinogenesis. In contrast, quinones can induce cytoprotection through the induction of detoxification enzymes, anti-inflammatory activities, and modification of redox status. The mechanisms by which quinones cause these effects can be quite complex. The various biological targets of quinones depend on their rate and site of formation and their reactivity. Quinones are formed through a variety of mechanisms from simple oxidation of catechols/hydroquinones catalyzed by a variety of oxidative enzymes and metal ions to more complex mechanisms involving initial P450-catalyzed hydroxylation reactions followed by two-electron oxidation. Quinones are Michael acceptors, and modification of cellular processes could occur through alkylation of crucial cellular proteins and/or DNA. Alternatively, quinones are highly redox active molecules which can redox cycle with their semiquinone radical anions leading to the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) including superoxide, hydrogen peroxide, and ultimately the hydroxyl radical. Production of ROS can alter redox balance within cells through the formation of oxidized cellular macromolecules including lipids, proteins, and DNA. This perspective explores the varied biological targets of quinones including GSH, NADPH, protein sulfhydryls [heat shock proteins, P450s, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), glutathione S-transferase (GST), NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1, (NQO1), kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), IκB kinase (IKK), and arylhydrocarbon receptor (AhR)], and DNA. The evidence strongly suggests that the numerous mechanisms of quinone modulations (i.e., alkylation versus oxidative stress) can be correlated with the known pathology/cytoprotection of the parent compound(s) that is best described by an inverse U-shaped dose-response curve.

Prostaglandin J2: a potential target for halting inflammation-induced neurodegeneration

Prostaglandins (PGs) are produced via cyclooxygenases, which are enzymes that play a major role in neuroinflammation. Epidemiological studies show that chronic treatment with low levels of cyclooxygenase inhibitors (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)) lowers the risk for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) by as much as 50%. Unfortunately, inhibiting cyclooxygenases with NSAIDs blocks the synthesis of downstream neuroprotective and neurotoxic PGs, thus producing adverse side effects. We focus on prostaglandin J2 (PGJ2) because it is highly neurotoxic compared to PGA1, D2, and E2. Unlike other PGs, PGJ2 and its metabolites have a cyclopentenone ring with reactive α,β-unsaturated carbonyl groups that form covalent Michael adducts with key cysteines in proteins and GSH. Cysteine-binding electrophiles such as PGJ2 are considered to play an important role in determining whether neurons will live or die. We discuss in vitro and in vivo studies showing that PGJ2 induces pathological processes relevant to neurodegenerative disorders such as AD and PD. Further, we discuss our work showing that increasing intracellular cAMP with the lipophilic peptide PACAP27 counteracts some of the PGJ2-induced detrimental effects. New therapeutic strategies that neutralize the effects of specific neurotoxic PGs downstream from cyclooxygenases could have a significant impact on the treatment of chronic neurodegenerative disorders with fewer adverse side effects.